CORONATION NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 135, 24 May 1911, Page 5

CORONATION NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

IMPRESSIVE OPENING SPEECH. [per press association.] Wellington, May 24. The Industrial Exhibition promoted by the Wellington Industrial Association was opened th.s afternoon in beautiful weather md the presence of a large number c f people. The display is be,ng held in two of the Harbour Board’s brick stores, and contains ~i, very complete collection of the products and principal industries <>f the country. The object of the Association is to foster a spirit of s« lfreliance, and so make New Zealand as self-contained as pososible. Some of the leading firms and manufacturing houses throughout the country have made striking displays. A huge space on the top floor of one building has been set aside as a stadium for athletic games. The first sports meeting will be held to-night, and boxing and other tourneys will be arranged for later dates. Mr. Ballinger, president, in an opening address said it was the largest Industrial exhibition yet held in the Dominion. Manufacturers from all parts of New Zealand were exhibiting, and practically every industry of any importance w’as represented. New Zealland was one of the finest countries in the world, and one of the most richly endowed in mineral wealth, yet she could noto claim to wealth, yet she could not claim to Importations occupied by far too great a part in New Zealand trade. There was something "wrong with, a young country like this wnen a talhng-away in industrial life waa shown. Last year’s increase in the number of factories was only 262, whereas for the preceding nine years the average increase of factories was 622. He hoped our legislators who were v’isiting the Exhibition would realize the necessity and great importance of doing all m their power to promote, foster and encourage productive industries As the Association preached self-reliance it also practised it. No Government subsidy had been asked for the undertaking ; it being entirely guaranteed by local citizens. Speeches are also to be delivered, by the Hon. Carroll and the Mayor of Wellington. The Exhibition will be open for ten weeks.